The traditional HR model is obsolete, according to Perha Group founder Mariana Hadjiantoniou, who has championed a shift towards a people-centred direction in human resources.
- The traditional HR model is obsolete, according to Perha Group founder Mariana Hadjiantoniou, who has championed a shift towards a people-centred direction in human resources.
With a career in HR that predates her establishment of Perha Group in 2014, Hadjiantoniou has witnessed first-hand the evolution of the industry. Her experiences led her to realise the pressing need for a consultancy that places human values at its core.
In a discussion with Entrepreneurial Limassol, published by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, she articulated how the profession has transformed from administrative functions to a more strategic role tailored to the unique needs of organisations.
“There was a very clear need to create an HR consultancy with the human at its core,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of understanding each organisation’s specific context rather than relying on generic workflows.
Perha Group operates by designing processes that move beyond traditional HR practices, employing custom methodologies to support organisations at every stage of their development. This shift is especially crucial as companies now face operational pressures and complex regulatory requirements.
Hadjiantoniou expressed pride in Perha’s expansion into Dubai between 2020 and 2023, recalling how the firm secured a fully registered operating licence to meet the growing demand from businesses navigating rapid expansion and regulatory challenges.
The consultancy’s model revolves around four interconnected areas, which Hadjiantoniou believes form a holistic approach rather than isolated services. These areas include people and talent, compliance frameworks, culture and wellbeing, as well as employer branding.
Addressing the first area, Hadjiantoniou stated the goal is not merely to fill positions but to integrate specialised talent into organisations, creating processes that surpass traditional recruitment methods. “The strength of every organisation is its people,” she asserted.
In light of evolving demands, she underscored the necessity for internal business operation and compliance frameworks aligned with EU directives. “We don’t have the option to ignore these requirements,” she noted, highlighting that compliance must be woven into HR’s daily operations.
Discussions of culture, wellbeing, and leadership followed, areas that Hadjiantoniou is particularly passionate about. Perha collaborates closely with C-suite executives to foster strategic leadership and long-term wellbeing, helping to cultivate environments that prioritise both employee satisfaction and operational continuity. “We target resilience and the wellbeing of our people,” she explained.
Another emerging focus is employer branding, particularly in Cyprus, where younger generations are increasingly valuing the companies they work for. Hadjiantoniou has observed more companies integrating branding strategies into their HR agendas, a shift that had previously been prevalent only in international markets.
Reflecting on Perha’s identity, she explained that the consultancy’s name embodies fundamental values: people, engagement, relationships, happiness, and accomplishment. “Happy to make them happy,” she shared, quoting an internal motto that drives her team.
Looking ahead, Hadjiantoniou identified three key trends poised to shape the future of HR. The integration of AI, she believes, will play a crucial role, especially in recruitment processes. “AI is already one of the most important tools for identifying talent and designing assessments,” she stated.
She also addressed the rise of remote and hybrid working models, emphasising the need for managers to acquire new skills and training to effectively lead teams in these environments. Furthermore, she positioned mental health and wellbeing as pivotal elements for future organisational success, noting that these priorities will become increasingly central.
As for Perha’s ambitions, Hadjiantoniou aims to solidify the company’s footprint in Cyprus while continuing to expand in Dubai, particularly in sectors like fintech, forex, and gaming. She expressed a desire to pioneer the relocation of companies to Cyprus, enhancing their HR frameworks and supporting their organisational goals.
Additionally, Perha plans to extend its coaching, leadership, and mentoring services, ensuring that mental health remains a core focus for both employees and executives. Hadjiantoniou also mentioned aspirations to collaborate with international organisations in CSR and ESG initiatives, aligning HR processes with global sustainability frameworks to deliver a more comprehensive service to clients.
